Dame Judi Dench has expressed her grief over the passing of Maggie Smith, breaking down in tears after being asked about the death of her friend.

Smith sadly passed away at the age of 89. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, announced her passing “with great sadness”, sharing with fans that she had died “peacefully” on Friday, September 27.

“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” they said in a statement.

“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.

“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

During a recent appearance at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Dench became emotional when asked about the passing of her friend and regular co-star, as well as what she meant when she once compared grief to petrol.

“I suppose because the energy that’s created by grief,” she said before breaking down.

Dench and Smith first met as young actresses performing at the Old Vic theatre in London. The pair went on to appear together in several films, including A Room With A View, Tea With Mussolini, Ladies in Lavender and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, in addition to numerous stage productions

Smith had previously praised her friend’s loyalty during a tribute event honouring the James Bond star back in 2002.

“What I remember mostly about that time, it was the beginning of a friendship, and I remember laughter more than anything in the world,” Smith said at the time.

“Judi’s the most tremendous friend. She’s been a huge support and hugely loyal.”

-with BANG.